Medical Expert Handbook (Social Security Administration, Office of Hearings andAppeals)

摘要

Medical Experts (MEs) are physicians and mental health professionals who provideimpartial expert opinion at the hearing level on claims under title II, title XVI and title XVIII of the Social Security Act. All MEs on Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) Regional Office rosters will receive a copy of the new handbook when they attend their orientation session. The handbook describes the concepts and terms of medical evaluation as defined in the Social Security Act, regulations, rulings and policy issuances, and clarifies the ME's role in the disability decision-making process. In addition to serving as an adjunct to the orientation session, MEs may use the handbook as a prehearing desk reference when Administrative Law Judges request them to participate in the hearing process.